A nearly $1 million “Martian” mission is wrapping up on the slopes of a Hawaiian volcano. The mission’s six astro-nots have spent four months in a geodesic-dome “habitat” on the Mauna Loa volcano, venturing forth onto the barren lava field only in space suits.

It’s all part of the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) mission, funded by NASA’s Human Research Program, the University of Hawaii and Cornell University. The primary purpose of the mission is to figure out how to live — and, therefore, how to cook — in a Mars-like environment.

But, he added, “The freeze-dried meat is only really enjoyable when used in meals. In itself it’s too bland and hardly has any aroma.”

The crew’s least favorite pre-prepared meal? “Kung Fu Chicken,” the commander said. “The texture of the meal could be best described as ‘slimy.’ ”

“In general, the dehydrated and freeze-dried vegetables are a real success,” he said. “They’re used on a daily basis in almost every meal.”

The project — funded by NASA’s Human Research Program, the University of Hawaii and Cornell University — also has researchers studying how robotic arms might someday grow hydroponic foods on other planets and crew members practicing terrain exploration.

NASA is also comparing various fabrics and “anti-microbial treatments” for clothing worn in space.

“We go out at least once a week,” Vermeulen said. “We only have one small porthole in the hab, so being outside surrounded by a vast landscape and open sky has a deep psychological impact.”